12 best pillows UK 2025: I tested to see which will help you sleep better

LOOKING for a pillow that actually helps you sleep? Same. At this point, quality rest isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s non-negotiable.

I’ve tested and shortlisted the best pillows in the UK across memory foam, down-alternative and adjustable fill options in my quest.

Because the weather’s turning cooler, temperature regulation is firmly on the checklist.

While mattresses often steal the spotlight (check out our best mattress round-up for our top recommendations), the right pillow can transform your sleep quality overnight.

I’m picky about loft, firmness and edge support, which are important for side and back sleepers, or anyone dealing with neck or shoulder niggles.

But does paying more always mean better sleep? Can a budget pick hold its own against a luxury pillow?

I’ve done the hard work to separate real upgrades from marketing fluff, with clear picks for every sleep position and spend.

If you toss and turn, you’ll also find adjustable options you can fine-tune at home.

Ready to find your fit and wake up feeling human again? Let’s get into it.

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How I tested the best pillows

Testing pillows isn’t just a quick five-minute lie-down – I put each one through weeks of proper sleep testing.

I’m brutal when checking if those fancy marketing claims actually deliver.

Does that “perfect for side sleepers” pillow really support your spine? Is that “cooling tech” actually keeping your head from overheating?

I’ve tested options at all price points – from budget supermarket buys to luxury hotel-standard investments – to see if splashing more cash guarantees better kip.

Every material, support level and overall value was meticulously assessed during real sleep sessions.

My goal? Cut through the waffle and tell you exactly which pillows are worth your hard-earned cash in 2025.

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The best pillows for 2025 reviewed

1. Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow

Kiya-Ellen Syrett

I loved it so much I’ve not taken it off my bed![/caption]

Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow, £44.95

Pros: Incredibly supportive for all sleeping positions, temperature-regulating bamboo cover, and substantially improves sleep quality

Cons: Higher price point than standard pillows, initial firmness might take 2-3 nights to adjust to

Rating: 5/5

I loved it so much I’ve not taken it off my bed!

I am not a pillow expert, but we all spend hours in the sack and know a good pillow when we try one. This pillow is incredibly comfortable, and I love it.

This Panda pillow is Orthopaedic grade, has bamboo charcoal-infused memory foam (not that I could tell what this would look like).

It has been designed with sleep tech to regulate your body temperature while in the land of nod.

Spunky marketing lingo aside, since sleeping on this pillow, I haven’t woken up during the night feeling unsupported or uncomfortable.

Whether I am sleeping on my back, side or front, this pillow provides ample support.

It has made a considerable difference to the quality of my sleep, and I genuinely wake each morning feeling ready to start the day, having had good quality rest.

With the cute Panda logo embellishing the pillow and considerate and well-designed packaging, I really would say this is worth the cash.

Key specs: Orthopaedic-grade memory foam core, bamboo charcoal infusion, removable/washable bamboo cover, 10-year guarantee

2. Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow

Kiya-Ellen Rose

I genuinely couldn’t fault it[/caption]

Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow, £159

Pros: Incredible customisation with three removable layers, Stratos cooling tech, and hotel-quality support for all sleep positions

Cons: Eye-watering price point, initial firmness takes adjustment time

Rating: 4.5/5

As a self-professed wriggler in my sleep, I didn’t realise how important a firm pillow is until I tried the Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow.

Even though it has a hefty price tag, I genuinely couldn’t fault it.

Admittedly, I didn’t know I was a firm pillow fan, which now explains my previous need to have 3 or 4 crappy pillows on top of each other to feel supported. 

Testing it for a week, I was sceptical about only using a single pillow, but after a night in, I was converted.

Firm yet adjustable, its three removable layers allowed me to customise the height and firmness of the pillow – I chose to keep it packed with Simba’s sleep tech, which felt perfect to me.

The Stratos cool-touch layer is beyond luxurious to sleep on, and the Aerocoil micro-springs provided delicious support – whether I was on my back, side, or stomach.

It has definitely replaced my usual ‘princess-and-the-pea’ setup of multiple subpar pillows.

Admittedly, the £159 price tag is eye-watering, but if my girl’s math is correct, it works out at just 29p a night for a year, which feels more justifiable.

Plus, the pillow’s sustainable packaging and luxurious storage bag are nice touches, and the novelty was not lost on me.

While I docked half a point for the cost, it’s a worthwhile investment for serious sleep improvement.

If you can afford it, I’d struggle to find fault in this Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow, but are all Simba pillows worth the investment?

Read my in-depth Simba Hybrid Pillow review

Key specs: Three customisable inner pillows, Stratos cooling technology, Aerocoil micro-springs, sustainable packaging, luxury storage bag

3. Feather and Black Soft as Down

Lucy Gornall

Feels quite luxurious[/caption]

Feather and Black Soft as Down Deluxe Pillow Pair, £59

Pros: Premium down-like comfort without actual feathers, excellent value sold as a pair, cotton cover adds a luxury feel

Cons: May need occasional plumping to maintain shape, slightly warmer than natural down

Rating: 4.5/5

Want down but without the down? Well, this Feather and Black offering could be the one for you.

And as I lay my head on the pillow, it literally melted into the fake down filling, which really does feel like the real thing.

This pillow is filled with synthetic fillings that feel like natural fillings, so it’s great for allergy sufferers who might not cope well with animal-based pillow fillings.

Feather and Black says that the super-soft microfibre fillings are “wonderfully cushioning, with a medium comfort grade to ensure your neck and shoulders are well-supported”.

Yes, they are cushioned wonderfully. They feel quite luxurious, a bit like hotel-style pillows. 

Oh, and another bonus is that the cover is a pure cotton 233 thread count cover. 

I love the fact that these pillows come as a pair; it just makes more sense, and it seems cheaper, too. 

Key specs: 233 thread count pure cotton cover, hypoallergenic microfibre filling, medium comfort grade, machine washable

4. Emma Premium Foam Pillow

Kiya-Ellen Syrett

The original price of this pillow is actually eye-watering[/caption]

Emma Premium Foam Pillow, £82

Pros: Fully customizable with three adjustable layers, enhanced cooling technology for hot nights, and completely washable for freshness 

Cons: Premium price point, firmer feel takes adjustment if you’re used to fluffy pillows 

Rating: 4/5

So, the original price of this pillow is actually eye-watering.

But in the sale, it’s just about acceptable (of course, it depends on your budget). 

My dad always used to tell me that it’s best to spend good money on your shoes and your bed: you’re always in one or the other.

Anyway, this pillow certainly lives up to its premium name as it’s temperature-regulating, filled with removable layers, and stays fresh and clean.

I won’t lie, I did love this pillow. The removable layers essentially mean you can adjust the pillow to suit you. 

I felt so supported on my side with all three of the layers.

Emma recommends all three layers for side sleepers, two to three layers for back sleepers, and just one layer for stomach sleepers.

There’s a foam layer that regulates temperature. I’d say this was great for women who are struggling with menopausal or general hormonal night sweats.

I like that the knitted white fabric of the pillow is nice and breathable. There’s nothing worse than a hot, sweaty sleep. 

There’s also some serious memory foam action here –

There’s a layer that gives extra support thanks to HRX (high Resiliency Extra) Foam. Then there’s the softest foam layer.

Because of the memory foam, though, you may find this pillow a little harder than others, so whether you enjoy it or not is really down to personal preference. 

Key specs: Three removable foam layers, moisture-resistant cover, targeted temperature regulation, hypoallergenic materials

5. Panda Hybrid Bamboo Pillow

Lisa Burn

I’ve suffered from fewer aches and pains[/caption]

Panda Hybrid Bamboo Pillow, £89.95

Pros: Large yet supportive, cooling bamboo technology, removable and washable cover

Cons: Premium price point, takes a week or two to fully adjust from standard pillows

Rating: 4.5/5

I love that this pillow seems so big – lots of space for moving around in my sleep – yet it’s the same size as my other pillows.

It’s soft to the touch and cool on my face, which has been lovely during the recent warm spell.

It’s made from a bamboo charcoal-infused memory foam core and a quilted hypoallergenic bamboo cover, which is removable for washing.

The foam is not solid but incorporates holes to help dissipate the heat that builds up while you sleep.

Together with the mesh sections of the bamboo cover, it helps the air to circulate.

Whenever I’ve used memory foam pillows in the past, I’ve found them too hard and too high.

This one is more structured than my regular pillows, but it’s not so high that it makes my neck ache.

It’s also soft – in a memory foam kind of way – and is comfortable whether I’m sleeping on my side or my back.  

However, I would say it does take a bit of getting used to if, like me, you’re used to squishy, synthetic pillows bought from the local supermarket.

It took me one to two weeks to get used to it, and even now, at times, I still swap it out during the night for a flatter alternative.

It’s good to know, though, that while I’m sleeping on it, my spine and neck are in alignment and properly supported.

I think it’s because of that – and because of the Panda mattress I’ve been testing – that I’ve suffered from fewer aches and pains on getting up in the morning recently.

This pillow is pricey, but at the same time, it comes with a 10-year guarantee.

I have no doubt it will last ages, and when I think about how much money I’ve spent on cheap pillows over the years, I don’t think it works out to be that costly.

Key specs: Orthopaedic-grade bamboo charcoal-infused memory foam core, quilted hypoallergenic bamboo cover, breathable mesh sections, 10-year guarantee

6. Simba Body Pillow

Kiya-Ellen Syrett

I could definitely feel the cool touch[/caption]

Simba Body Pillow, £109

Pros: Cooling technology, perfect support for pregnancy and side sleepers, premium quality that holds its shape

Cons: Takes up significant bed space for couples, premium price point compared to standard pillows

Rating: 4.5/5

I’ve been a Simba fan for a while, ever since I invested in one of their memory foam mattresses and realised what true comfort was. 

This long, slightly curved body pillow is often seen on the bed of pregnant women who need extra support; however, side sleepers can also benefit from this.

Simba says this pillow has been designed to provide ‘comfortable hip and spinal alignment’, as well as offering great back support if you sit up in bed. 

It also features a removable, washable cover which contains Stratos cool-touch technology, which helps prevent overheating.

In fact, I could definitely feel the cool touch on one side of this pillow. 

And the down-like clusters within the pillow of Simba Renew Bio fibres are breathable and so cushioned. 

Simba says that to use this pillow, it’s best to hug it with your arms and arrange your legs around the bottom with one leg on top, knee slightly bent, and the other underneath and a little straighter.

I got into position and really felt full support from this pillow.

It’s super soft to hold and very comfortable. The only real problem with one of these pillows is where to store it.

Key specs: Stratos cooling technology, Renew Bio fibre filling, ergonomic curved design, removable, washable cover, targeted hip and spine alignment

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7. Silentnight Copper Infused Pillow

Kiya-Ellen Rose

Copper-infused pillows are new territory for me[/caption]

Silentnight Copper Infused Pillow, £24

Pros: Antibacterial copper technology, excellent value for money, machine-washable with a 2-year guarantee

Cons: Too soft for those needing firm support, might flatten faster than premium options

Rating: 4/5

I didn’t try this pillow long enough to honestly comment on its positive health benefits advertised, but overall, it was a lovely pillow to sleep on, and I really liked the novelty of it.

Copper-infused pillows are new territory for me, but apparently, the copper is naturally anti-bacterial and can help prevent skin breakouts.

I no longer suffer in this department, but it did feel breathable and luxurious to sleep on.

Features I really like about this pillow are that it is UK-made, it is completely machine washable, and if you’re not happy with it, Silentnight offers a 2-year manufacturer’s peace of mind guarantee.

Silentnight delivers affordable price points, overall comfort and an extensive product line to cater for a wide range of sleepers, and I would recommend this pillow for those reasons alone.

Key specs: UK-made, copper-infused antibacterial fabric, hypoallergenic filling, machine washable, 2-year manufacturer guarantee

8. Simba Stratos Pillow

Kiya-Ellen Syrett

It’s like sleeping on a cloud[/caption]

Simba Stratos Pillow
£60

Pros: Award-winning cooling technology, cloud-like comfort with premium down-like feel, completely hypoallergenic

Cons: Requires regular re-plumping to maintain support, not firm enough for dedicated side sleepers

Rating: 4/5

Simba’s Stratos pillow does feel like a premium pillow and definitely could pass for one made from down.

This pillow is stuffed with Simba’s Renew Bio filling, a fancy-named breathable fibre that helps regulate your body temperature while you’re sleeping.

It’s also anti-allergenic, which could be a good choice for those who suffer from allergies caused by fillings of animal origin.

Admittedly, I don’t suffer from any allergies, but after sleeping on this pillow for a week, I can vouch that you wake feeling fresh, and it’s like sleeping on a cloud.

I also liked that, despite its fabrication, it doesn’t smell plasticky either.

I believe that in the long term, I will need to add another pillow, as this one doesn’t offer a tremendous amount of support.

As a side sleeper, I found myself actively re-plumping to give me a good height – something important to consider.

A novelty that isn’t lost on me – the Simba Stratos Pillow features a convenient removable cover that can be washed after extended periods of use.

It’s a nice pillow, but would I pay £60 for it? Probably not, because there are some great, cheaper alternatives included in this article.

Key specs: Renew Bio temperature-regulating filling, hypoallergenic materials, removable washable cover, Stratos cooling technology

9. Origin Coolmax Pillow

Kieran Ahuja

The cooling tech isn’t just marketing waffle[/caption]

Origin Coolmax Pillow, £98

Pros: Genuinely impressive cooling technology for hot sleepers, substantial size gives plenty of head space, removable, washable cover

Cons: Too firm for dedicated side sleepers, challenging to fit into standard pillowcases

Rating: 4/5

This pillow is a proper unit. It arrives compact in its box, but once unravelled, you realise you’re getting serious bang for your buck size-wise.

The cooling tech isn’t just marketing waffle—it actually delivers.

While not cool to the touch initially, the latex-gel combo keeps your head from overheating all night long, which is brilliant if you’re prone to getting stuffy during sleep.

Back sleepers will find this a dream, with that supportive latex providing perfect spinal alignment.

Side sleepers beware, though—after testing it for several nights, I often woke with a stiff neck when sleeping on my side.

Unlike memory foam that you sink into, your head sits more on top of this pillow.

It’s noticeably firmer than my previous Simba pillow, but that firmness is exactly what makes it so supportive for back sleepers wanting proper alignment.

Read our full Origin Coolmax Pillow review

Key specs: Latex foam construction with cooling gel infusion, breathable design, removable Tencel fabric cover, geometric stitched pattern

10. Floks Wool Pillow

Lucy Gornall

Not only is it comfortable, but it’s also 100% sustainable[/caption]

Floks Wool Pillow, £69

Pros: Pure British wool delivers temperature regulation, completely sustainable materials and UK manufacturing, comes with a multi-purpose canvas storage bag

Cons: Premium price for a single pillow, requires occasional airing to maintain freshness

Rating: 4/5

I opted for the regular size of this pillow in soft. FYI: There’s a choice of soft or medium. 

It’s hypoallergenic (ideal for individuals with asthma and allergies) and temperature-regulating (great for hot sleepers), according to Floks.

Plus, it’s crafted from soft British wool and organic cotton and is designed, manufactured, and finished in the UK. This means not only is it comfortable, but it’s also 100% sustainable.

The pillow is super-soft, and when I lie down, my head slowly sinks. It’s pretty blissful, to be honest, plus the pillow is nice and cooling. However, for £60, I should hope it’s incredibly comfy! 

The bag that this pillow comes in is one of the highlights of the overall product; it’s a vast, canvas-style bag with a pull cord and adjustable straps. It’s such a handy bag for storing this and that – I am super impressed. 

Key specs: British wool filling, organic cotton cover, hypoallergenic properties, temperature-regulating technology, choice of soft/medium firmness

11. Groove Pain Relief Pillow

lucy gornall

It actually felt really comfortable straight away[/caption]

Groove Pain Relief Pillow, £31.95

Pros: Ergonomic head groove ensures perfect spinal alignment, raised sides with shoulder grooves eliminate neck pain, and a 100-night risk-free trial period

Cons: Unusual shape looks out of place among regular pillows, takes several nights to fully adjust to the different feel

Rating: 4.5/5

The Groove memory foam pillow arrived rolled up in a plastic wrapper inside a small box, which I appreciated, as it had minimal packaging.

Upon opening the pillow, I didn’t really understand what the hype was; it just looked like a rectangular memory foam pillow. 

But then I lay down on it and… oh wow.

Firstly, I lay on my back. The special groove for the head meant that my neck, head and spine were totally aligned.

It actually felt really comfortable straight away. I also tried lying on my side.

For side sleepers, the slightly raised sides of the pillow have small grooves underneath for the shoulders, again meaning that the entire spine is aligned.

Groove says that not only does this pillow help with posture, thanks to the well-placed ergonomic dips, but it also helps to reduce headaches and shoulder pain by properly supporting your spine.

Groove Pillow also does a 100-night free trial, so if it doesn’t work for you, simply return it and get your money back. 

I’m a big fan of this. However, my only bugbear is that it doesn’t look like other pillows, so when it’s sitting on my bed, it looks out of place.

But I guess I would rather have a good night’s sleep and a pain-free back than a bed of perfectly proportioned pillows.

This pillow is also well-priced, I reckon, considering how good it is.

Key specs: Memory foam construction, specialised head groove, ergonomic shoulder dips, 100-night trial, minimal packaging.

12. Silentnight Geltex Premier Pillow

Kiya-Ellen Syrett

I was disappointed not to like this pillow[/caption]

Silentnight Geltex Premier Pillow, £40

Pros: Competitively priced for the technology, impressive storage bag included, potentially great for those who need extreme firmness

Cons: Far too rigid for comfortable sleep, causing neck discomfort for most sleeping positions

Rating: 3/5

Look, don’t shoot the messenger, but I didn’t enjoy sleeping on this pillow.

Having discovered that I am a firm pillow girl, I was looking forward to trying this pillow – especially since the price point was more in line with the amount of money I would ordinarily spend on a pillow.

But I lasted one night on it.

The Silentnight Geltex Premier Pillow is advertised as ideal for back and side sleepers due to its reactive Geltex inner lining; however, it feels too rigid.

It’s difficult to say, but this issue may ease with extended use. However, I wasn’t willing to commit to that because it disrupted my much-needed sleep.

After waking in the middle of the night in discomfort, which is something I hadn’t experienced with the other pillows tested, I slung this one onto the floor and went back to sleep.

Silentnight is a great brand – and I was disappointed not to like this pillow.

I had high hopes because unzipping its storage bag (a touch not lost on me) and giving the pillow a quick try before popping it in a pillowcase all got my seal of approval.

However, the proof is in the pudding, and as a mover and groover in my sleep, this didn’t offer me the comfort I would want.

However, its firmness could be considered supportive, which may be beneficial if you are looking for something firmer.

If you’re not a sleep wriggler and love firm pillows at a fair price point, don’t write off considering this option, as it could be the perfect pillow for you.

Key specs: Reactive Geltex inner layer, cooling technology, designed for back and side sleepers, storage bag included 2. ology, washable protective case

Pillow FAQs: Ask the expert at Emma

What should I look for when choosing the best pillow?

“From cotton to latex, pillows can be made of various materials. However, some of the best known are probably down, feather, microfibre and memory foam,” says Theresa Schnorbach, an expert at Emma.

“Down pillows are filled with the soft fibres close to the skin of birds such as geese, ducks or swans.

“Similarly, feather pillows use feathers from the wings and backs of ducks and geese as filling.”

Theresa adds that, due to their animal origin, these types of pillows may not be suitable for everyone.

“Vegans, for example, may prefer another choice, and for some, these types of pillows could potentially cause allergic reactions.”

“There are synthetic alternatives to down, such as microfibre pillows, which offer the same level of comfort but can also be machine-washable.

“Memory foam is another popular choice thanks to its cushiony support.”

We recommend doing your research before buying and advise against purchasing a product solely because it is on offer.

It’s important to consider how you sleep, your budget and what the pillow is made from.

What is the best pillow for side sleepers?

“This position is at risk of spine misalignment and pain without the right support,” says Theresa.

She recommends a pillow made from a firm material to prevent sinking into it. 

“You need a firm and tall pillow, as thick as the distance between your shoulder and ear, so that your head, neck and spine are all held in the proper alignment.”

What is the best pillow for front sleepers?

Rarely sleeping on my front, this was news to me, but according to Theresa, front sleepers may not even need a pillow.

“Anything too high will cause neck straining and extra pressure on the lower back and abdomen.”

She recommends a very soft pillow—or try placing a pillow under the stomach and pelvis instead of under your head.

What is the best pillow for back sleepers?

Theresa reveals: “Back sleepers need a pillow of medium height and softness.”

She goes on to suggest that back sleepers could benefit from memory foam pillows.

A great choice because the material conforms to the pressure of your neck and shoulders.

Memory foam is great for supporting your neck and shoulders, so you don’t wake up with tight or knotted shoulders.

How should you wash pillows?

Keeping your pillows clean is essential for maintaining a fresh and hygienic sleeping environment.

Why not consider choosing a brand that offers pillows with removable, washable covers or clearly states that their products are designed to be washed?

Keeping your pillows fresh does prolong their lifespan, which is a plus if you’re forking out for a premium one.

I would recommend visiting each manufacturer’s product FAQs to find the best washing instructions for your pillow.

Not all pillows are designed the same, and each brand has its unique guidelines.

How often should you replace pillows?

Online advice suggests looking out for physical signs such as discolouration, odour, rips and limp stuffing.

Another consideration is whether you wake feeling unsupported and uncomfortable.

“Your pillow helps to align your spine as you sleep, which is why a bad one can cause neck pain and tightness elsewhere in the body,” explains Theresa.

If your current pillow isn’t helping you drift off into the land of nod for a full 8 hours, then it’s probably time to buy a new pillow.